US2203309A

US2203309A - Electrical switching device

Info

Publication number: US2203309A
Application number: US108714A
Authority: US
Inventors: Schmid William
Original assignee: Kingston Products Corp
Current assignee: Kingston Products Corp
Priority date: 1936-11-02
Filing date: 1936-11-02
Publication date: 1940-06-04
Anticipated expiration: 1957-06-04

Description

June 4, 1940. w w. SCHMID 2,203,309

ELECTRICAL SWITCHING DEVICE Filed Nov. 2, 1936 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Fig-1L INVENT R June 4, 1940. w SCI-[MID 2,203,309

ELECTRICAL SWITCHING DEVICE Filed Nov. 2, 1936 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 William Schmt Xuvs TOR wfiw/ ,M W

ATT onwzys W. SCHMID ELECTRICAL SWITCHING DEVICE Filed Nov. 2, 1936 4 Sheets-Sheet I5 We iiiam Sckm INV TOR Y MM, W

ATTORN EXE:

June 4, 1940. SCHM"; 2,203,309

ELECTRICAL SWITCHING DEVICE Filed Nov. 2. 1936 4 Shets-Sheet 4 'Wfiiam Schmd.

lmvi TOR mzm dm m ATTQRNE s being shown in elevation, and other parts being broken away to better accommodate the view to Patented June 4, 1940 2,2 3 nwcrnlolu. swrronnvc DEVICE William Schmid, Bronson, Mich, assignor, by

mesne assignments, to Kingston Products Corporation, a corporation of Indiana Application November 2, 1936, Serial No. 108,714

6v Claims.

This invention relates to electrical switching devices, more particularly to the type of switching devices suitable for use with automotive vehicles, and the principal object of this invention is to provide new and improved devices of this type.

In the drawings accompanying the specification and forming a part of this application, I have shown, for purposes of illustration, several forms which my invention may assume, and in these drawings:

Figure 1 is a central longitudinal sectional view through an embodiment of the invention, parts the sheet,

Figure 2 is a transverse sectional view corresponding substantially to the line 22 of Fig ure 1,

Figure 3 is a fragmentary sectional view, with parts shown in elevation, disclosing a method of assembling the actuator means with the operating means,

Figure 4 is a fragmentary sectional view similar to Figure 3 showing a method of disassembling the actuator means from the operating means,

Figure 5 is a perspective view of some of the parts of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 through 4,

Figure 6 is a central longitudinal sectional view through a different embodiment of the invention, parts being shown in elevation, and parts being broken away,

Figure 7 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view corresponding substantially to the line of Figure 6,

Figure 8 is a perspective view of some of the parts of the embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7,

Figure 9 is a central longitudinal sectional view of still another embodiment of the invention, parts being shown in elevation,

Figure 10 is a horizontal sectional view corresponding substantially to the line Ill-I0 of Figure 9,

Figure 11 is a transverse sectional view corresponding substantially to the line of Figure 9, and

Figure 12 is perspective view of some of the parts comprising the embodiment shown in Figures 9 through 11.

Referring first to Figures 1 through 5,. the embodiment of the invention therein shown comprises a box-like housing means -|5, preferably formed of sheet metal, and having integral side walls is, end walls H, and a bottom wall l8. As

best shown in Figure 5, one end wall l1 is'provided with an aperture I9 having arcuate and rectilinear margins, and this end wall is provided with portions 23 bent to lie in planes including the side walls l6, each of the bent portions 20 having an angular defining margin 2| which abuts a complementary margin formed on the side walls I 6, so that in effect, the bent portions 20 form con tinuations of the side walls It. Each of the bent portions 20 is provided with an extending ear 22, and the adjacent'part of the margin of each of the side walls I6 is provided with an extending ear 23.- The side walls l6 are also. provided with ears 24 formed intermediate their length, and cars 25 are formed on the side walls adjacent the other end I! of the housing l5. This other ,end I! of the housing I5 is provided with an elongated generally rectangular aperture 26, and the bottom wall l8 of the housing I5 is provided with an aperture 21, and an outwardly depressed well portion 28. The end wall I! in which the aperture 26 is formed is provided with an extending ear 29.

The housing I5 is adapted to be closed by a closure plate 30, having a plane portion 3| provided with a generally triangularly shaped aperture 32. Intermediate the longitudinal extremities of the plane portion 3|, the closure plate 3|! is provided with integral angularly outwardly extending walls 33, and a wall 34 connecting the walls 33, and disposed substantially parallel to the plane portion 3|. The wall 34 is provided with an aperture 35 having inwardly directed projections 36 formed on its margin. The plane portion -3|, adjacent the offset formed by the walls 33, is provided with an outwardly pressed chamber 38, and the defining margin of the plane v portion 3| adjacent the chamber 38 is recessed as shown at 39. A margin of the chamber 38 is provided with a downwardly extending ear 4G projecting between the margins of the recess 38. The plane portion 3| of the closure plate 30 is provided with recesses 4| and 42 for accommodating the

ears

24 and 25 formed on the side walls of the housing means I5, and a recess 43 is provided for accommodating the projection 29 formed on the end wall ii. The plane portion 3|, adjacent the chamber38, is provided with recesses 63 and 45 adapted to accommodate the

ears

22 and 23 formed on the bent portions 20 and side walls I6 respectively of the housing means i5. When assembled with the housing means K5, the inner surface of the closure plate 3|] rests on the terminal margins of the side walls i6 and end walls it, and the extremities of the ears 22, 2s, 2d, and

are bent to overlie the outer surface of the closure means 30.

' comprising a generally rectangular portion leading to the exterior surface of the support and a circular well 5i leading to the interior surface of the support 58, and countersinking the rectangular portion 5t. Disposed in each of the apertures M is a contact means, and asshown,

four contact means are provided, three, num

bered 52, are adapted for receiving a single conductor terminal, and the fourth, numbered being adapted to receive two conductor terminals.

The contact means 52 and 53 are fully described having a generally annular dome-shaped portion 511, the latter portion having a flange at its periphery, which flange is adapted to be spun over the flanges 56 of the body portion 56, as shown at 58. A helical spring 59 and detent means 60 are disposed within the tubular body portion 54 before the sheet metal contact is se cured to the body portion, the spring 59 being,

interposed between the detent member 8 and the inner surface of the dome-shaped portion 5?, to urge the detent member against a shoulder formed on a body portion 541 adjacent the loop portion 55, so that a portion of the detent member 60 is yieldably held in the recess provided by the loop portion 55. A helical spring 68 is disposed about the tubular body portion 5%, the spring 6i being interposed between the bottom of the well 5| and the spun-over extremity 58 of the sheet metal contact. It will be appreciated that the body portion 54 has a transverse section'cl'osely fitting the outline of the rectangular portion 58 of the aperture t9, so that the contact means is held against rotation. The contact means 53 is similar to they contact means 52, with the exception that the body portion is elongated to provide two recesses for accommodating conductor terminals, and two detent means are provided to cooperate with the two recesses.

Operating means 62 are arranged within the housing means l5, and are adapted to be moved relative thereto, the operating means 82 being preferably; formed of sheet metal and comprising a generally plane surface 63, at one end having an integral upwardly bent portion 84. The terminal margin of the portion 64 is provided with spaced projections 65 and extending upwardly from the plane surface 63 to a point short of the terminal margin of the bent portion 84 is a centrally located rectangular aperture 66. Theplane Surface 63 is formed with a portion 61 provided with an elongated aperture 58, for a purpose {hereinafter apparent. A reduced portion 99 forms a continuation of the portion 61, and leads to this portion by means of angular defining walls iii, the reduced portion 89 being provided with an aperture 3. Extending from the reduced portion 6% is a further reduced portion 112, forming shoulders l3 with the first reduced portion. The operating means may, if desired, be made of a width so that the longitudinal margins thereof slidably engage the inner surfaces of the side walls is of the housing means l5. Also, the operating means, if made of a lesser width, may

- be provided with projections slidably engaging the inner surfaces of the side walls l8.

Carried by the operating means 82 is a carrier block 1d, preferably formed of insulating material as shown, and of a generally oblong shape, the top surface being recessed as shown at .715 to provide an irregularly shaped recess, best illustrated in Figure 5, the recessed portion it being provided with an upstanding circular lug 716, and inwardly tapering recesses ll. One side margin of the carrier block it} is provided with recesses 08, and the other side margin is provided with a recess iii, and an end margin is provided with an arcuate recess til. The lower surface of the carrier bloclr lid is recessed as shown at 3!, the recessed surface being provided with an extending mg 832 of a size to closely fit the aperture H formed in the operating means 82. The recessed under-surface 8 of the carrier block M closely conforms to the configuration of the adjacent part of the operating means 652, so that the carrier block id may be assembled with the operating means 82 in straddled relation. The carrier block lid is preferably made of a width slightly less than the distance between the inner surfaces of the side walls it, so that movement of the operating member is guided by sliding engagement between the transverse margins of the carrier block and the inner surfaces of the walls I Bridge means 83 are assembled with the carrier block M, and comprise a generally plane circuit continuing plate having a configuration similar tothe recess '05 formed in the upper surface of the carrier block id. The bridge means 83 is provided with an aperture 84 closely fitting the projection '18 of the carrier block 14, and also has inwardly depressed arcuate recesses 85 forming protuberances fitting within the inwardly tapering recesses ll formed on the carrier block M. One terminal margin of the bridge means-83 is provided with angularly downwardly extending cars 88 fitting'in the recesses 18, and the other terminal margin is provided with an offset portion having an ear 8'! fitting in the recess 19 of the carrier block I4.

A bushing member 88 is interposed through the aperture it in the end wall H, the bushing 88 being exteriorly threaded as shown at 89, and having flatted surfaces 90 cooperable with the rectangular margins of the aperture l9 so that the bushing is held against rotation. The bushing 88 is provided with a shoulder 9| at one extremity, and a plate 92, having an aperture 93 similar to the aperture I9, is interposed between the inner surface of the end wall I! and the shoulder 9| to form. a means for reenforcing the end wall H. The bushing 88 is provided with a bore 94, and as best shown in Figure 1, the extremity'of the bushing 88 opposite the shoulder the aperture 95 being similar to the apertures I9 and 93. A nut 97, having a closed end 98, is provided with screw-threads engageable with the screw-threads 89 of the bushing 88, the nut 91 being drawn up against the mounting 96 to hold the switching device to the mounting 96. The closed end of the nut 91 is apertured as shown at 99, the aperture being provided with marginal recesses I 00, adapted to receive a spanner wrench for properly drawing up the nut 91. As best shown in Figure 1, the bushing 88 is held against displacement from the switching device by the downwardly extending ear 40 formed on the closure plate 30.

Actuator or handle means IOI are provided for effecting movement of the operating means 62, the actuator means IOI comprising a rod I 02, adapted to work through the aperture 99 and the bore 94in the nut 9! and the bushing 88 respectively,'the rod I02 being provided with a beveled extremity I03, and spaced inwardly from the beveled extremity I03 is a slot I04 formed transversely of the rod I02. The other extremity of the rod I 02 is provided with a button I05, preferably formed of insulating material, and bearing'suitable indicia indicating means controlled by the switching device.

Theparts of the switching device, not including the actuator or handle means I 0|, may be assembled in any desirable manner, and when assembled, assume the relation shown in Figures 1 and 2. It will be noted that the under-surface of the operating means 62 is adapted to ride on a support, here shown to be an elongated roller I06 disposed in the well 28, the roller I06 being rotatively movable in the well 28 in a direction parallel to the direction of movement of the operating means 62. The roller I06 not only pro-- vides an anti-friction bearing support for the operating means 62, but further provides a fulcrum. The springs 6| encircling the contact means 52 and 53 normally urge the shoulder 48 of the support member 46 against the inner surface of the closure means 30, and also urge the sheet metal contact portion of the contact means 62 and 53 against the bridge means 83 or the adjacent surface of the carrier block I4, the bridge means 83, as best shown in Figure 1, having its outer surface generally flush with the adjacentsurface of the carrier block I4. The force against the bridge means 83 and carrier block I4 is transmitted to the operating means 62, to normally cause the operating means 62 to swing in a counter-clockwise position as viewed in Figure 1, this force urging the bent portion 64 of the operating means 62 downwardly. The combined support and fulcrum for the operating means 62, instead of the well 28 and roller I06, may take the form of a plurality of grooves formed in the bottom wall I8 of the housing means I 5, eachgroovc being provided with a ball adapted to support the operating means 62. Additionally, the well 28 and roller I06 may be supplanted by a transversely extending, inwardly directed, projection pressed from the bottom wall I8.

To assemble the actuator or handle means IOI with the operating means 62, the rod I02 is inserted through the aperture 99 and bore 94 of the nut 91 and bushing 88 respectively, until the beveled portion I03 strikes the upper rectilinear margin I01 of the recess 66. The operating means 62 will be urged to the extreme right hand position shown in Figure 1, and additional inserting force on the actuator means IOI causes the'beveled surface I 03 to cam the adjacent end of the,

operating means 62 in an upward direction, this upward movement being permitted by reason of the fact that the closure means 30 is provided with the upwardly extending chamber 38, and the force is exerted until the beveled surface I03 clears the rectilinear margin I0I of'the recess 66, whereupon relative movement of the rod I02 with respect to the bent portion 64 of the operating means 62 causes'the slot I04 to align with the margin I0'I of the recess 66, and the urging force of the springs 6| surrounding the contact means 52 and 53 causes the margin I 01 of the recess 66 to snap into the slot I04, and yieldably hold the actuator means IOI and the operating means 62 in assembled relation.

To disassemble the actuator means IOI from the operating means 62, it-is only necessary to turn the rod I02 through at least a quarter of a revolution, causing the unslotted portion of the rod I 02 to engage the margin I0'I of the recess 66, and the rod I02 may then be removed-from the recess 66. It will be obvious that the chamber 38 formed in the closure means 30 provides space so that the actuator means IM and the operating means 62 may be assembled or disassembled in any of the positions of the operating means 62; however, this chamber 38 may be so constructed and arranged to provide for assembly and disassembly of the actuator means I M and the operating means 62 in any predetermined position. From the foregoing, it will be apparent that the actuator means I M may be assembled or disassembled with respect to the operating means 62 fromone side of the mounting 96.

A lamp construction I08-is adapted to be assembled with the switching device, and as 7 shown in Figure 1, the lamp construction I08 comprises a socket I09 adapted tobe disposed within the aperture 35 in the closure plate 30, and having suitable slot means interengageable with the projections 36, so as to hold the socket I09 to the closure plate 30. The socket I09 is provided with an insulating contact carrier IIO, carrying a slidable contact I II, the latter having a contact head II2 adapted to engage a contact. formed on the base II3 of an electric lamp H4. The base II3 of the lamp H4 is received within a socket I I5, smaller in diameter than the socket I09, the socket I I5 having radially extending portions II6 secured to the socket I09. It will be appreciated that the lamp construction I08 is removably assembled with the switching device, and when assembled, light from the electric lamp II4 illuminates the interior of the switching device, and some light passes through the aperture 21 formed in the bottom wall I8 of the housing means I 5. As shown in Figure 1, the electric lamp H4 is disposed in the space provided by the recess 08 of the operating means 62, the recess being elongated so' that the lamp II4 will not interfere with movement of the operating means. The arcuate recess 80 in the carrier block I4 also provides clearance for proper movement of the operating means 62.

Referring to Figures 6 through 8; the switching device therein disclosed comprises a housing means I20, having a bottom wall I2I, side walls I22, and end Walls I23 and-I24. As best shown in Figure 8, the housing means I20 is preferably bottom wall, the end wall I23 being provided with an aperture I25, similar to the aperture I9 hereinbefore described. The end wall I23 also has an angular portion I26, bent to span a portion cf the upper margins of the side walls I22, the portion I26 being provided with notches adapted to receive fingers I21, and the fingers are bent to overlie the outer surface of the portion I26 to hold the portion in position. The end wall I23 is formed with angular portions I29 which are bent to overlie the adjacent surfaces of the side walls I22. The construction described materially strengthens the adjacent part' of the housing means I20. The bent portion I26 is provided with a finger I28 for a purpose that will be hereinafter apparent.

The rear end of the housing means I20, that is the right hand portion as shown in Figures 6.

and 8, is reduced in height, the end wall I24 being provided with a rectangular aperture I30, and

also having extending portions I3I bent to over- 1 tained within the well portion I31.

An operating means I39 is provided for effecting operation of the switching device in much the same manner as that previously described, the operating means comprising a generally plane plate-like member, having an aperture I40 formed therein, and having one extremity bent upwardly as shown at I. The upwardly bent extremity is provided with a recess I42, the lower margin of which is arcuate, and the upper margin is rectilinear as shown at I43. The terminal margin of the bent portion MI is provided with a notch I44. The extremity of the operating means I39 opposite the bent portion I is reduced as shown at- I45, to provide for passage of this extremity through the rectangular aperture I30 formed in the end wall I24 of the housing means A carrier block I46 is assembled with the operating means I39, the carrier block I46 havinga projection I41 formed in its lower surface, and fitting within the aperture I40 provided in the operating means I39. The upper surface of the carrier block I46 is provided with a recessed portion I48, having an irregular shape as best shown in Figure 8, the recess I48 being provided with inwardly tapering recesses I49. One margin of the carrier block I46 is provided with notches I50, and the opposite margin is provided with a notch I5I.

Bridge means I52 are provided for assembly. with the carrier block I46, and as best shown in Figure 8, the bridge means I52 preferably comprises a plate of current conducting material of a shape corresponding generally to the shape of the recessed portion I48 provided in the carrier block I46, and of a thickness to be disposed in the recess 148 so that the outer surface of the bridge means I52 is substantially flush with the outer surface of the carrier block I46. The

- bridge means I52 is provided with angular downture I 51, so as to urge the respective contact through the carrier block to the operating membridge means I52, so as to be disposed within the inwardly tapering recesses I49 of the carrier block I46 when the bridge means I52 is assembled with the carrier block I46.

A contact support I56, preferably formed of 5 insulating material as shown, is formed with a plurality of apertures I51, similar to the apertures 49 hereinbefore described,- the apertures I51 being adapted to receive contact means I58 and I59, similar to the contact means 52 and 53. As 1 before, a resilient means, such as a helical spring I60, is adapted to encircle the body portion of each of the contact means I58 and I59, and be disposed in the well portion of a respective apermeans downwardly, referring to Figures 6 and 8. The support I56 is provided with notches I6I in opposite margins, and its rear portion is provided with a downwardly projecting lip I62.

To assemble the structure thus far described. the operating means I39 is placed in the housing means I20, with its reduced extremity I45 disposed through the aperture I30 in the end wall I24, and the lower surface of the operating means I39 is positioned to ride on the support or elongated roller I38. The carrier block I46, carrying the bridge means I52, is assembled with the operating means I39 by seating the projection I41 in the aperture I40. The contact support I56 is' then placed in position on the housing means I20, the fingers I32 being disposed in the notches I6I, and the lower surface of the support I56 resting on the upper margins of the side walls I22. The extremities I33 of the fingers I32 are then bent to overlie the upper surface of the support I56, and as best shown in Figure 6, the downwardly projecting lip I62 overhangs a portion of the end wall I24. In the assembly thus far described, the'spring I60 encircling the body portion of each of the contact means I 58 and I59 urges the contact means into engagement with either of the upper surfaces of the carrier block I45 or with the upper surface of the bridge means I52, and this urging force is transmitted ber I39, to cause this operating member to swing about the' support or roller I38 in a counterclockwise direction, referring to Figure 6.

As before, the switching device is secured to an apertured mounting I63 .by means of a bushing I64 and a nut I65, these parts being respectively similar to the mounting 96, bushing 88, and nut 91, hereinbefore described. The finger I28, formed in the bent portion I26 of the end wall I23, is bent inwardly as shown at I66 to engage the shoulder on the bushing I64 so as to hold the bushing assembled with the housing means I20. In this embodiment it will be appreciated that the carrier block I46 is of a width substantially equal to the spacing of the side walls I22, so that movement of the carrier block I46 and the operating means I39 is guided by sliding engagement between the margins of the carrier block I46 and the inner surface of the side walls I22. n

Actuator or handle means I61, similar to the actuator means IOI hereinbefore described, are detachably connected to the operating means I39 in a manner similar to that described in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 through 5. The actuator means I61 is provided with a beveled extremity I68 and a transverse slot I69, and is cooperable with the recess I42 and its rectilinear margin I43 substantially as before. Referring to Figure 6, it will be noted that connection and disconnection of the actuating means I61 with the operating means I39 may be effected only in the position shown in Figure 6, that is the rearward position of the operating means I39, the connection or disconnection of the parts in any other position being prevented by the bent portion I26 of the end wall I23. The rearward position, in this particular instance, is the position wherein the contact means I58 and I59 are not bridged by the bridge means I52, or in other words, the rearward position is the "off position of the switching device.

An electric lamp construction I10, similar to the electric lamp construction I08, may be assembled with either side wall I22 by inserting the socket of the lamp construction I10 in the proper aperture I35, and engaging the slots formed in the socket with the projections I36 formed in the aperture I35.

Referring to the embodiment of the invention disclosed in Figures 9 through 12, a box-like sheet metal housing means "I is provided for receiving the switching mechanism, the housing means I1I comprising a bottom wall I12, side walls I 13, and end walls I14 and I15. The bottom wall I12 is provided with a recess I18, adjacent the end wall I15, this bottom wall also being provided with a struck-up ear I11 adjacent the end wall I14, the ear I11 functioning to hold a bushing I18 assembled with the end wall I 14. of

the housing means "I. The bushing I18, similar.

to the bushing 88, passes through an apertured mounting I19, and is held in position by a nut I80, the mounting I19 and nut I80 being similar to parts hereinbefore described.

Disposed within the'housing IN is an operating means I8I, having a generally plane portion I82 and anangularly bent extremity I83, the extremity I83 being provided with a recess I84 similar to the recess 66 hereinbefore described. The terminal margin of the extremity I83 is notched to provide a projection I85. The plane portion I82 of the operating means I8I is provided with an upwardly pressed proturberance I86, and adjacent the extremity of the operating means I8I there is provided a downwardly pr'ojecting protuberance I81, the protuberance, I81 being adapted to cooperate with the recess I16. The side margins of the plane portion I82 are provided with upwardly extendingsupports I88 and I89, the support I88 being notched to provide a centrally, disposed finger I90, whereas the support I89 is provided with a centrally disposed notch I9l, which forms fingers I92.

A carrier block isadapte'd to be supported by the supports I88 and I89, the carrier block in this instance comprising two generally rectangular insulating plates I93 and I94. The insulating plate I93 is provided with a generally centrally disposed aperture I95. One margin of the plate I93 is provided with a slot I96, and the opposite margin is provided with slots I91, the slots I96 and I91 fitting respectively the fingers I90 and I92 of the supports I88 and I89. The plate I93 is also provided with apertures I98, spaced as best shown in Figure 12. The plate I94 is provided with notches I99 and 200, these notches being similar to and for the same purpose as the notches I96 and I91 formed in the plate I93. Also, the plate I94 is' providedwith apertures 20I coinciding with the apertures I 98 of the plate I93.

Bridge means 202, of generally L-formation as shown in Figure 12, preferably comprise a plate of current conducting material, having angular operating means l8I.

downwardly projecting fingers 203 adapted to pass through the apertures 20I. and I98 formed respectively in the plates I94 and I 93, and the extremities of the fingers 203' may be bent to overlie the under-surface of the plate I 93, and thereby hold the plates I93 and I94 and the bridge means 202 assembled. 'Yieldable means, such as a helical spring 204, is provided for interposition between the under-surface of the plate I94 and the upper surface of the operating means I8I, one extremity of the spring 204 being disposed within the aperture I 95 formed in the plate I93, and the other extremity surrounding the protuberance I86.

A contact support 205, preferably formed of insulating material, carries contacts 206 of a type similar to that described in a copending application, serial number 25,116, filed June 5, 1935, now Patent No. 2,144,484, patented January 17, 1939. The contact means 206 are each provided with spring pressed detents 201 holding a conductor terminal in apertures 208 i'ormed'in the body portion of the contact means 206. An extremity of each contact means 206 is reduced to form a shoulder abutting the upper surface of the support 205, and the end of this extremity projects through 'a suitable aperture in the support, and is headed over the underfor yieldably gageable with the bridge means 202. The support 205 rests on the margins defining the open end of the housing means Ill, and fingers 2I0 may be provided on the housing means Ill, and may be clinchable over the outer surface of the support 205, to hold the support assembled with the housing means.

Actuator means or handle means 2| I, similar to the means IOI hereinbefore described, may be assembled and disassembled with the operating means I8I in a manner similar to that shown and described in the embodiment disclosed'in Figures 1 through 5. It will be appreciated that the spring 204 urges the bridge means 202 against the contacts 209 of the contact means 206, and also urges the operating means I 8I to swing in 'a counter-clockwise direction (Figure 9) about The support 205 is prothe protuberance I81. vided with a slot 2I2 of a size adapted to clear the projection I formed on the angular extremity I83 of the operating means I8I, and when the operating means I8I is in the position shown in Figure 9, the actuator ,sembled or disassembled with respect to the slot 2I2 may be widened, to permit assembly or disassembly in other positions of the actuating means IN, or a series of slots may-be provided to permit such assembly or disassembly. 4

The protuberance I81, in addition to serving,

as a fulcrum for the operating means 18!, is engageable, in a predetermined position of the switch, with the recess I16 formed in a bottom wall I12 of the housing means I11, to provide a greater yieldable opposition to movement of the operating means I91. In the preferable construction, the protuberance I81 engages the recess I16 in an intermediate position of the switching device. Of course, it will be appreciated, that the type of support and fulcrum hereinbefore described may be used in this embodiment, if desired. As best shown in Figures 10 and 11, the supports I88 and I89, of the operating means I8I, are spaced apart so that their outer surfaces engage the inner surface of the side walls I13 of the housing means I", the plates I93 and I94 also means 2 may be as- It will be obvious that the being of a width to engage these inner surfaces. It will be appreciated that the construction may be so formed that either the supports I88 and I89 or the plates I93 and I94 engage the inner surfaces of the side walls I13 to guide movement of the operating-means IBI.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the, art that I have accomplished at least the principal object of my invention, and it also will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments herein described may be variously changed and -modified, without departing from the spirit of the invention, and that the invention is capable of uses and has advantages not herein specifically described; hence it will be appreciated that the herelndisclosed embodiments are illustrative only, and that my invention is not limited thereto.

I claim:

1. Electrical switching mechanism, comprising: a support member; a bridge member; movable operating means, carrying said bridge member for movement relative to said support member; contact means carried by said support member for movement relative to said support member in a direction transverse to the movement of said bridge member, said contact means having a portion for engagement with said bridge member; bearing means, for supporting said operating means, constructed and arranged to provide for said relative movement of said operating means, and also providing a fulcrum for rocking of said operating means; handle means, for effecting movement of said operating means, said handle means having a detachable connection with said operating means, said connection being released by movement of said operating means to a predetermined position about said furcrum; and resilient means, constructed and arranged to urge the portion of said contact means against said bridge member so as to yieldably hold said operating means in a position opposite to said predetermined position, and thereby yieldably hold said handle means connected tosaid operating means.

2. Electrical switching mechanism arranged substantially within a housing, comprising: movable operating means, for moving the switching to a wall of said housing, yieldably urging said end portion and said aperture out of axial alignment; said actuator means being connected to said operating means by inserting said tip portion into said aperture and causing movement 'of said end portion through said aperture, said oblique surface engaging the margin of, said aperture and camming said aperture and said end portion into axial alignment, and further moving said end portion through said aperture until the marginal surface of said aperture snaps into said notch and is held in latching relation by said resilient means, said actuator means being disconnected from said operating means by relatively rotating said actuator means and said operating means, so that the cylindrical surface adjacent said notch engages the marginal surface of said aperture and cams said aperture and said end portion into axial alignment against the urging force of said resilient means, and causing axial movement of said end portion out of said aperture, to bodily separate said actuator means and said operating means. 7

3. Electrical switching mechanism arranged substantially within a housing, comprising: contact means; reciprocable means, movable relative to said contact means, and comprising bridge means cooperable with said contact means, and a relatively planar surface; and bearing means carried by a planar wall of said housing, comprising a surface contacting said planar surface and transversely disposed with respect to the movement of said reciprocable means and engaging said planar surface 'at a place whereby to maintain said reciprocable means in a tilted position with respect to the planar wall of said housing.

4. Electrical switching mechanism arranged substantially within a housing, comprising: contact means; reciprocable means, movable relative to said .contact means, and comprising bridge means cooperable with said contact means, and a relatively planar surface; and a roller bearing carried by a planar wall of said housing engaging said planar surface, andproviding an antifriction support for said reciprocable means, the axis of said roller bearing being disposed trans versely of the movement of said reciprocable means whereby to maintain said reciprocable means in a tilted position.

5. Electrical switching mechanism, comprising: contact means; reciprocable means, movable relative to said contact means, and comprising bridge means cooperable with said contact means, and a relatively planar surface; casing means, generally housing said contact means and said reciprocable means, and being formed with a well portion: and bearing means, disposed in said well portion, and engaging said planar surface and providing an anti-friction support for said reciprocable means, said bearing means being bodily movable in said well portion generally parallel to the movement of said reciprocable means and providing means whereby to maintain said reciprocable means in a tilted position with respect to the wall of said casing means having the well therein.

6. Electrical switching mechanism, comprising: housing means, having a wall formed with a recess; contact means, carried by said housing means; means reciprocable within said casing, comprisingbridge means movable into and out of engagement with said contact means; actuator means, connected to said reciprocable means for effecting movement of said reciprocable means, and holding one end of said reciprocable means in spaced relation from said casing wall; said reciprocable means having an abutment adjacent its other end slidably engaging said casing wall and holding said other end in spaced relation from said casing wall; the recess formed in' said casing wall lying in the path of movement of said abutment, and said abutment yieldably seating in said recess in a predetermined position of said reciprocable means, thereby providing means to indicate when said predetermined position is reached.

' WILLIAM SCHMID.